WEST FIFERS can have their say on revised proposals that could put Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman's seat at risk.

The Boundary Commission for Scotland have launched an eight-week public consultation process from today that would see changes to the existing Dunfermline and West Fife constituency.

The new political map would see Scotland's 59 seats cut to 53 and initial plans were drawn up last year.

Those would have seen the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency - won in June by Labour's Lesley Laird - disappear and be absorbed into the constituencies of Ochil and South Perthshire and Glenrothes.

But after considering responses to those proposals published in October last year, the Commission has prepared revised boundary changes.

These would include the loss of the Dunfermline and West Fife, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and Glenrothes constituences, with three new seats created in their place.

A new Clackmannanshire and Dunfermline seat - consisting of Dunfermline, West Fife villages, Alloa, Dollar and the Hillfoots - would be created, as would a South Fife constituency, including Rosyth, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Crossgates, Kelty and Cowdenbeath.

A Mid Fife seat, including Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, would also be created.

Lord Matthews, deputy chair of the Boundary Commission for Scotland, said: "After careful consideration of all of the comments received during the consultations on the Initial Proposals, the Commission has designed this revised set of constituencies.

"Where the legislation has allowed it, we have tried to respond to
the views expressed to us. However, in some areas, we have been unable to make changes because of the constraints on constituency design within which we work.

"This is the final opportunity we have to obtain views on our proposals so we can further improve them where the legislation allows us to do so.

"I hope people will take the opportunity to contribute, whether for or against what we have proposed."

The public consultation process will run until Monday December 11 and, after considering responses, the Commission will develop its final recommendations and submit its report to the Secretary of State in September 2018.
Members of the public can have their say online at www.bcs2018.org.uk.